FAA Draft Sets Out Design Guidance for Heliports and Vertiports

The FAA released a draft advisory circular on designing heliports and vertiports. The draft addresses infrastructure for vertical-flight aircraft and discusses hazards associated with aircraft downwash, the air movement generated by rotor or propeller systems during vertical flight.

Draft Advisory Circular AC 150/5390-4 covers the design of heliports and vertiports.

What has been confirmed

The fact set describes the release and technical content as likely, not officially confirmed. It identifies AC 150/5390-4 as a draft for industry comment and says the guidance addresses downwash-related hazards. The source article is dated October 23, 2026.

Why it matters

Heliports and vertiports need to accommodate the aircraft that use them and the airflows those aircraft produce. Design guidance can give airport planners and infrastructure developers a shared reference as they consider facilities for vertical-flight operations.

FlyMarshall context

For passengers, a vertiport would serve as an operating site for vertical-flight aircraft, while heliports already support helicopter operations. Downwash means the air pushed downward by an aircraft's lifting system; designers need to account for that airflow when planning a site. The fact set does not provide specific design dimensions or requirements from the draft.

What happens next

The draft is open for industry comment, according to the fact set. It does not state a comment deadline, a final publication date, or whether the FAA has adopted the guidance.